Contact us today!
866-348-2602

Total Tech Care Blog

Total Tech Care has been serving Florida since 2001, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

Taking an Exploratory Stab at Spear Phishing

Taking an Exploratory Stab at Spear Phishing

Chances are, you’ve heard of “phishing” - a cybercriminal’s scam that steals data, access credentials, and other sensitive information by fooling a user into thinking they are providing this information to someone who is supposed to have access to it. However, there are a few different kinds of phishing, based on how it is carried out. Here, we’ll discuss the realities of spear phishing, and the risks it poses to your business.

What Makes Spear Phishing Different?

As a rule, spear phishing is a much more precise and personalized process. To keep to the “fishing” analogy, a generalized phishing campaign casts a wide net, trying to snare as many victims as possible with their scam. Utilizing vague and generic language, the ‘typical’ phishing attack is made to appear to come from a large organization, informing the user of some need for the user to take action, resulting in the hacker gaining access to the user’s information. This methodology makes the typical phishing attack fairly effective against many people, while simultaneously easier to spot if one knows the warning signs.

By comparison, spear phishing is far more precise. Instead of trying to find value in the quantity of targets snared in a trap, spear phishing takes the opposite tack. Using a highly targeted approach, spear phishing attacks are directed toward a specific individual within an organization.

This specified approach means that the generic messages that many phishing attempts leverage simply won’t be enough to fool the intended target. Instead, the hacker has to play investigator, seeking out as much information as they can about their intended target. Where do they work? What is their position in the company? Who do they frequently communicate with? Once the hacker has collected enough information to create a convincing message, they will typically spoof an email to their target. This email will usually contain some reference to a known contact or some in-progress project to make it more convincing and will request that the recipient download a file via a provided link.

However, while the link will direct to what appears to be a Google Drive or Dropbox login page, it is just another layer to the deception. Entering credentials into this page will give them right to the hacker for their use, breaching the user’s security and putting the entire business at risk in one fell swoop.

What Methods Do Spear Phishers Use?

Due to how spear phishing works, the messages sent by hackers need to be as convincing as possible. Combining extensive research with some practical psychology, a hacker has more ammunition to power their attacks.

As mentioned above, spear phishing is far less generic than the average phishing attempt. By referencing specific people, things, and events that mean something to the target, or appearing to come from an internal authority (a manager, perhaps, or even the CEO), the hacker can create a message that is less likely to be questioned. If the hacker writes their messages without any spelling or grammatical errors, as many spear phishers do, it only becomes more convincing.

These hackers are so reliant upon their target being fooled; many will purchase domains that strongly resemble an official one. For instance, let’s say you owned the domain website-dot-com. If a hacker decided to pose as you to launch a spear phishing attack, they might purchase the domain vvebsite-dot-com. Without close inspection, the switch may not be noticed - especially if the hacker creates a good enough lookalike website.

Am I A Target?

Of course, the research that a hacker has to do to successfully pull off a spear phishing attack is extensive - not only do they have to identify their target, they also have to figure out the best way to scam this target. Generally speaking, a hacker seeking to leverage spear phishing will focus their efforts on anyone in an organization who could potentially access the information that the hacker wants but isn’t high up enough in the organization to question an assignment from above.

Or, in more certain terms, a business’ end users.

In order to minimize the chances that a spear phishing attack will be successful against your company, you need to make sure that everyone subscribes to a few best practices. For example:

  • Pay attention to the finer details of an email. Is the message actually from christine@contactcompany.com, or does the email address actually read kristine@companycontact.com? Did Christine/Kristine include any attachments? As these can be used to spread malware via email, you should avoid clicking on them unless you are certain the message is legitimate.

  • Is the message written to sound overly urgent? Many phishing messages, especially spear phishing messages, will try to push an action by making it seem as though inaction will lead to a critical issue. Another warning sign to look out for: any deviation from standard operating procedures. Don’t be afraid to question a sudden switch from Google Drive to Dropbox - it may just be the question that stops a spear phishing attack.

  • Speaking of questioning things, don’t hesitate to make sure that any messages you suspect may be spear phishing aren’t actually legitimate through some other means of communication. A quick phone call to the alleged sender will be well worth avoiding a data breach.

While spear phishing is a considerable threat to your business, it is far from the only thing you need to worry about. Total Tech Care can help your business secure its IT solutions and optimize them for your use. To learn more, subscribe to our blog, and give us a call at 866-348-2602.

 

Comments

No comments made yet. Be the first to submit a comment
Already Registered? Login Here
Guest
Thursday, 24 April 2025
If you'd like to register, please fill in the username, password and name fields.

Blog Archive

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

  • First Name *
  • Last Name *

      Free Consultation

      Sign up today for a
      FREE Network Consultation

      How secure is your IT infrastructure?
      Let us evaluate it for free!

      Sign up Now!

      Free Consultation
       

      Tag Cloud

      Security Tip of the Week Technology Best Practices Business Computing Cloud Privacy Hackers Productivity Hosted Solutions Efficiency Software Network Security Business Google Microsoft Internet Email Malware Backup Workplace Tips Innovation User Tips Data Computer Mobile Devices Hardware IT Services Disaster Recovery Android VoIP communications Business Continuity Smartphones Communication IT Support Smartphone Miscellaneous Mobile Device Small Business Network Browser Collaboration Productivity Quick Tips Cybersecurity Users Business Management Windows Upgrade Phishing Managed IT Services Data Backup Outsourced IT Ransomware Windows 10 Data Recovery Office Server Cloud Computing Save Money Passwords Windows 10 Virtualization Saving Money Holiday Tech Term Gadgets Chrome Social Media Managed Service Managed IT Services Microsoft Office Automation Computers Cybercrime Operating System Artificial Intelligence Facebook Health BYOD Mobile Device Management Networking IT Support Internet of Things Hacking Wi-Fi Remote Information Spam Office 365 Managed Service Provider Covid-19 Telephone Systems Alert Information Technology Employer-Employee Relationship Recovery Router Bandwidth BDR Social Engineering Mobility Mobile Computing Encryption Human Resources Applications Application Remote Monitoring Law Enforcement Big Data App History Password Money Data Breach Blockchain Remote Computing Paperless Office How To Mobile Office Government Private Cloud Data Storage Patch Management Managed IT Office Tips Training Apps VPN Marketing Servers Settings WiFi IT solutions Entertainment Two-factor Authentication Website Google Drive Budget Data Security Mouse HaaS Avoiding Downtime Infrastructure Voice over Internet Protocol Vulnerability Wireless Bring Your Own Device Windows 7 Word Data Management Work/Life Balance Gmail Flexibility Vendor Management End of Support Firewall Education Physical Security Safety Virtual Reality Sports HIPAA Apple USB Staff Redundancy Software as a Service Telephone System Social Keyboard Machine Learning Connectivity Remote Work User Error Vendor Meetings Managed Services Display Save Time Risk Management Conferencing Hacker Employee/Employer Relationship Scam Data Protection The Internet of Things RMM Lithium-ion battery Cleaning CES Customer Service Battery Environment Shadow IT Digital Signage Unsupported Software Legal Content Management Fax Server Business Technology Access Control Charger Printer Internet Exlporer Bluetooth SaaS Compliance Virtual Assistant Authentication OneNote Computer Care Procurement Workplace Strategy Net Neutrality PDF Current Events Telephony Help Desk Network Congestion Samsung Proactive IT Printing eWaste IT Consultant Update Value Best Practice YouTube Humor Spam Blocking Black Market Google Docs Electronic Medical Records Managed Services Provider Identity Theft Database Wearable Technology Retail Hiring/Firing Hard Drives Remote Workers Document Management Instant Messaging Robot Wireless Technology Excel Solid State Drive Augmented Reality How to Downtime Processor Fraud Biometrics Virtual Desktop Remote Worker Data storage Hard Drive Automobile Business Intelligence Cryptocurrency DDoS Audit Worker Virus Computing IT Management SharePoint Computing Infrastructure Going Green Unified Threat Management Botnet Comparison Computer Accessories IT Plan Techology Workers Laptop Benefits Messaging Cabling File Sharing Camera Inventory FENG Customers Specifications Policy Cameras Hypervisor Trend Micro Audiobook Wire Antivirus Evernote IBM Dark mode Touchpad Travel Smart Technology SMS Windows 8 Default App Flash Printers IT service Millennials Procedure Saving Time Shopping Google Search Politics Smart Office Software Tips Advertising Wireless Charging Supercomputer dark theme Emails AI Tablet IT Infrastructure Sync Virtual Private Network Bing Domains Workforce FinTech Notifications Printer Server Social Network Cables IaaS Netflix Maintenance Two Factor Authentication Investment Employee/Employer Relationships Project Management Nanotechnology Root Cause Analysis Relocation Telecommuting Employees Bloatware Windows 365 Music ISP HBO Cortana Knowledge Video Games Digital Signature Video Conferencing Tablets ROI Skype Bitcoin Warranty Shortcuts Worker Commute Data loss Sales Entrepreneur Point of Sale Troubleshooting Personal Cryptomining Experience HVAC Outlook Google Apps Leadership Start Menu Scalability Analysis Shortcut Supply Chain Management Batteries Administrator Business Owner Devices Screen Mirroring Loyalty Monitoring Cost Management Windows 8.1 Social Networking NarrowBand Books Digitize Enterprise Content Management Frequently Asked Questions Mobile Search Accountants Windows 10s Consultant Windows Server 2008 R2 MSP Microchip Thought Leadership Cast iPhone Credit Cards Customer relationships Analytics webinar Email Best Practices Emergency IT Assessment Manufacturing Password Management Tip of the week Running Cable Password Manager Professional Services Public Cloud Multi-Factor Security Best Available Employer Employee Relationship Memory Managed IT Service Search Engine Security Cameras Twitter Files WIndows 7 Assessment Computer Tips Business Mangement Virtual CIO Chromecast OneDrive Biometric Security NIST Windows Server 2008 Tools Smart Tech Trending Peripheral Using Data Addiction Colocation Amazon Television Digital Security Cameras Uninterrupted Power Supply Recycling Copiers Science 5G Wiring Practices Monitor Quick Tip PowerPoint Windows Media Player Smartwatch Cache Amazon Web Services User Public Computer Ergonomics Criminal Customer Relationship Management Transportation Development OLED Safe Mode Regulations Distributed Denial of Service GDPR Hosted Computing Computer Fan Reputation Rootkit PCI DSS Analyitcs Streaming Media Virtual Machine Fiber Optics Employee Content Wireless Internet Online Shopping Managing Stress 2FA Programming Tech Support

      Top Blog

      The reasoning for this is simple: you want to make sure that operations are proceeding as intended, even if you’re not there. If you completely check out from the workplace every time you leave, you could return from your vacation to a complete and total disaster that may have been prevented with y...
      QR-Code